An amazing camp!

Last Thursday saw the conclusion of this summer’s woodworking camp. The five teens who attended spent an intense three days working on their projects and the results were just incredible. The campers ranged in age from 13-17 and all were able to produce remarkable final projects.

Day 1 started with an overview of the projects and an introduction to basic safety and woodworking. After moving to the shop, we started with safety specifics and each camper demonstrated safe cutting on a variety of tools. Proper use of hand tools was especially important. The first project, a repeating fire rubber band gun, was made primarily with hand tools (although two parts needed a band saw cut and the spindle sander.) Many of the kids would return to this project throughout the camp to add various designs and paint schemes.

Completed rubber band rifles with bolt action.

Toward the end of the first day we started on the larger build for the camp, a 10-key bass tongue drum. The boys learned everything from the types of wood they were using (walnut, padauk, and red oak) to how to make their own mallets.

Making use of the band saw, jig saw, table saw, and many other tools, the campers were able to make high quality tongue drums! To tune them, they carved the underside of each key using a hammer and chisel until the pitch was proper for the scale.

I know that this camp will be something that each attendee will remember forever. The camp ended with a drum circle and chance to show off what they had created to their parents and family!

“Not only is Scott an amazing drum teacher, he is an exceptional woodworking instructor. Scott’s ability to teach all ages with various levels of experience is shown through the final project of the camp. When camp ends you will have a smile on your face, new friends, and something that you created with your own hands. ”

– KV, age 17

“It was fun and involved. When you finish, you get something you’re proud of that is high quality. It is very calm and is a good learning experience.”

– HY, age 15

“This camp was really cool. I was nervous at first, but Scott helped me a lot and taught me a lot about safety. I love showing everyone what I made. I definitely want to do this camp again next year!”

– AB, age 13

“Although it was the first experience with woodworking I had in my life, Scott’s camp was as fun and informative as anything he arranges. Before we began working with the tools, I was reluctant to become involved. Scott and the other campers were all inviting and willing to help, so almost immediately, I was excited to begin working. Camp was fascinating. Woodworking was much more compelling than I would have imagined. The satisfaction of creating something, putting in the effort to make it your own, and feeling the progress as it happened was amazing. I looked forward to attending camp, and I enjoyed sharing my experiences with those who would listen. Furthermore, I should add that the rubber-band gun works well, and the tongue drum sounds fantastic. This was truly an unforgettable experience and an important life skill.”

-LB, age 15

I’m already planning the camp for next summer! If your child is between 13-18 years old and interested in joining, contact me at MyDrumLesson@hotmail.com